Some of the participants will move on to college football after the 15th annual Daily News East-West All-Star Football Game this Sunday, but for most, the 3:30 p.m. showcase at College of the Canyons in Valencia will be the last time they strap on a helmet.

It’s a great way to say goodbye, one last chance for players like East quarterback Alex Bishop of Valencia and West defensive back Casey Bliss of Westlake to represent themselves, their teams, their schools and their communities.

Bishop is among the Southland’s most successful quarterbacks, a graduating senior who has passed for more than 3,000 yards in each of the past two seasons while finishing with a career record of 28-3 as a starter. But Bishop wants to dedicate his life to baseball, not football.

“It’s tough. I’m definitely going to miss it,” Bishop said. “Thinking back, it feels like my high school career just flew by. I don’t know what to say, I have mixed emotions. A lot of guys I know, guys from football, they think I’m crazy for giving it up. The decision, for me it was a long process, not something I decided overnight or anything like that.

“Maybe if I had grown a few inches and was 6-foot-2 instead of 5-10 ”

Bliss, a two-time All-Marmonte League selection and a key figure in one of the Southland’s most feared defenses over the past two seasons at Westlake, could probably play at a small college, but he wants to focus on academics and not football while attending a big university like UCLA, Cal, Michigan or Boston College.

“It’s been a great ride. Football has definitely helped me out,” Bliss said. “I’ve made so many friends, and football has been such a big part of my life for so long that once it’s over, it’s going to be weird not sharing those bonds or having that camaraderie. It’s just going to be weird.”

They’re playing on opposite teams Sunday, so one will go out a winner.

Bishop will have by his side his best friend and star Valencia teammate Steven Manfro, who has scored 75touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Likewise, Bliss has one last chance to play with Westlake’s quarterback Nick Isham, along with Warriors coach Jim Benkert, who is leading the West along with his staff.

“A lot of us have a lot of respect for what Steven Manfro has done,” Bishop said. “I’m definitely excited because there’s a bunch of good athletes around me, so it’s going to be a fun way to end it. I’m excited for that.”

Bliss and Isham have won 26 of 28 games over the past twoseasons, including the 2009 Northern Division title.

“It’s good to have Nick and some of my other Westlake teammates on my team one last time,” Bliss said. “I know they’ll always have my back, and I’m looking forward to sharing this last football experience with my coaches and good friends.”

And just because it’s an all-star showcase, don’t think Bishop and Bliss don’t want to win this game.

“We’re all competitors,” Bishop said. “When we go out there, we go out to win the game. Hopefully, I’ll try to throw a touchdown pass or two to Max Rodriguez, my Valencia teammate, because that’s my man. It’s just going to be so hard thinking back because some of my greatest memories and the most fun times I’ve ever had in my life come from high school football.”

Catch the game on TV

Time-Warner is televising the game on tape delay on Channel 101 with Randy Rosenbloom calling the play-by-play and Jake Downey doing color. The air dates are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10p.m. Wednesday.

All’s fair

Sunday should provide perfect football weather. The early report calls for clear skies and a high of 76 degrees.